Rollright Stones Circular Walk

Route Description for Rollright Stones Circular Walk

The Rollright Stones Circular Walk is a fairly laidback adventure; however, there are some changes in terrain and small elevation gains that might make travel for young children or less mobile walkers. Make sure to wear proper footwear that is preferably water-resistant if you are setting out in the winter or spring. While dogs are allowed on the trail, remember to keep them on a leash, as there might be grazing animals nearby. Additionally, dogs are not permitted within the stone circle, so exercise caution in these areas.

If you are someone who enjoys ancient history and picturesque countryside views, then this route is the perfect way for you to spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors in the Cotswolds. The route will take you from the quaint village of Salford to visit a series of three stone monuments that date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Mix in the lovely views of surrounding farmland and tranquil stretches of woodland terrain, and you have a fantastic adventure that can be enjoyed by walkers of nearly every skill level.

Setting out from the village of Salford, head to the northeast along Cooks Lane for 72 m and bear left onto Golden Lane, following it out of the village and into the picturesque countryside for 0.8 km. At the point where the lane veers to the right, continue straight along the footpath for 0.4 km and enjoy the picturesque views across the scenic farmland. Here, you will turn to the right, following the path for 500ft in the direction of the Salford Trout Lakes before picking up another footpath on the left. Keep on to the northeast for the next 0.9 km, passing through the open fields and crossing over the Little Rollright Brook, before traversing the edge of a small stretch of woodland to arrive at the side of a road.

Make your way across the road and pick up the footpath on the opposite side, crossing the open terrain for 0.2 km to arrive at a gate near a line of trees. Head through the gate and follow along the treeline for the next 0.7 km, passing through a series of three more gates as you climb gently uphill to reach the edge of Brighthill Farm. Walk along the lane towards the northwest for 78 m, where you will find a path on your left that cuts through a tranquil stretch of forest. Follow this for 0.2 km and turn right at the junction, where you will arrive shortly at the first and oldest of the Rollright Stones monuments, the Whispering Knights.

After experiencing the beauty and mystique of the Neolithic Age monument, continue along the trail for another 146 m and turn left to follow along the road to reach the second monument along the trail, the King’s Men Stone Circle. Legend says that if you are able to count the same amount of stones in the circle three times in a row, then you are granted a wish, so make sure to spend some time in the area and see if you are able to do so! After exploring the circle, follow the path leading north to cross over the road, where you will find the last of the Rollright Stones, the King Stone. This single monolith is thought to date back to the Bronze Age, making it the most recent - albeit still very old - monument of the bunch.

Once you have had your fill of sightseeing and ritual intrigue for the day, head back across the road and follow the trail back towards the first of the monuments, passing it by to once again reach the junction from earlier on in your walk. Turn right here and follow the trail to the southwest for 0.9 km to descend the hillside and arrive at the edge of the village of Little Rollright. Keep straight along the trail to make your way through the area, once again crossing over Little Rollright Brook on the final leg of your adventure. Follow the path across the open farmland for the next 1.9 km, enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding countryside as you arrive back in Salford at the starting point of the Rollright Stones Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Rollright Stones

The Rollright Stones are a series of limestone monuments that date back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages and can be found along the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border. The Whispering Knights is the oldest monument, dating back to the Early/Middle Neolithic; followed by the King’s Men, dating to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age; and lastly, the King Stone that is thought to date to the Bronze Age. Each of these were likely used as burial grounds or as a part of some ritual behaviour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you count the Rollright Stones?

Based on tradition, it is said that the stones within the King’s Men stone circle cannot be counted. If you are able to land on the same number after counting them three separate times, it is said that you are granted one wish!

Can you take dogs to the Rollright Stones?

Dogs must remain on a leash when in the vicinity of the stone circles and they are not permitted within the circles themselves.

What county are the Rollright Stones in?

The three different monuments can be found on the border of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, with the King’s Men and Whispering Knights circles situated in the former and the King Stone in the latter.

Consider a Walking Holiday in the Cotswolds

One of the best ways to experience this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is by booking a pre-planned adventure tour in the Cotswolds. Find the famous self-guided Cotswolds Way and other amazing guided and self-guided tours on 10Adventures Tours.